The Ama Dablam Expedition

  • Duration 30
  • Trip Grade Easy To Moderate
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Accommodation 3-star & Tea House on Trek
  • Max. Altitude 6,812
  • Activity Trekking , Hiking & Exploring / Expedition
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights
  • Enjoy amazing and unforgettable sights of Khumbu’s Himalayas- such as the Everest Peak, the Ama Dablam Himal, Mount Thamserku, the Kongdi RI, and many more.
  • Experience the culture and traditions of the ethnic Sherpa people of the mountains
  • Trek to the summit of one of the most famous and the most beautiful Himalayan peak in Nepal- the Ama Dablam!

The Ama Dablam Expedition Overview

One of Nepal’s most prominent mountain peaks beside Everest, the Ama Dablam is a majestic Himalaya that displays charisma and heavenly beauty. The peak has one of the most recognizable silhouettes and is an inspiration for many mountaineers. The peak gets its name from Sherpa origins- meaning “Mother’s Jewel,” a befitting name as the glacier on the peak’s southwest resembles a sacred necklace worn by traditional Sherpa women. Shadowing the entire Khumbu region, the Ama Dablam Peak is one of the most famous mountaineers who visit Nepal.

Technically a difficult peak to climb, it requires previous trekking and mountaineering experience. The sheer vertical shafts on vast expanses of snow and glacier make it an exciting trip. Aside from the sheer natural beauty that the peak contains, climbing it requires strength and endurance. But the view from the top and the sense of achievement does not match anything else!

Not only that, but the Ama Dablam Expedition is also a great way to experience the Sherpa culture and the traditions of the people who reside in the mountains. From coruscating woodlands to evergreen pine and cedar forests that then change to vast snowy expanses- the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you certainly do not want to miss out on!

Join Brown Bear Trails for an unforgettable mountaineering experience that will take you to the top of the Ama Dablam Peak. Our professional and well-trained guides and team members are always making sure that our valued customers get the best service at every step of the journey. From proper acclimatization to suitable training for the mountaineering trip, our experienced team members will be with you every step of the way. So please don’t wait, book your trip with us now!

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

You may arrive at Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by one of our team members, who will escort you to your Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, so you may check into your Hotel and relax.

This day is reserved as a “rest day” where you can take the day off to relax and shake off your jet lag. If you want, you can also spend the day exploring the city’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Pashupatinath Temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Bouddhanath Temple. You will also be getting a briefing from our team members about the expedition.

Early in the morning, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lukla. The short flight is quite thrilling as you can see amazing views of the mountain peaks from your flight. The Lukla airport is also known for being a fascinating airport as it is located atop a cliff and has a runway that drops down into the valley below. After arriving at Lukla (the flight takes about 30 to 40 minutes), you will begin your trek to Phakding- a prominent stop for many trekkers and mountaineers of the Khumbu. Overnight at Phakding.

Today is an exciting day as you will be trekking from Phakding to the most famous mountain town in Nepal- Namche Bazaar. Making your way through the Sagarmatha National Park, you will be trekking through the lush woodlands of the Himalayan foothills to make your way to the popular town. Along the way, you can see majestic views of mountain peaks such as Everest, the Thamserku peak, and the Kongdi Ri, among others. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

This day is reserved for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is a great place that offers many wonderful landmarks and places to explore and enjoy. Today, you can visit the Sherpa Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery. You can also have a short trek to the Syangboche airstrip that is located directly above the town. You can enjoy amazing views of mountain peaks such as the Sagarmatha Himal, the Lobuche Peak, Thamserku Peak, and the Ama Dablam Himal. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be making your way to Dibuche today. It is a small village that is situated a couple of miles ahead of Namche. Leaving the town behind, you will be meandering up and down the Khumbu valley, climbing up steep slopes, and passing beautiful Himalayan Rivers to make your way to your destination for the day. The serene environment of the Himalayan woodlands is a sublime experience where the thick canopies of Himalayan pine and maple trees provide you with a tranquil surrounding. Along the way, you can also see many memorable Himalayan sights that shadow the valley. Overnight stay at Dibuche.

From Dibuche, you will be making your way to Pangboche today. Crossing fast-slowing rivers that coruscate through the woodlands, you will make your way through the expanses of small shrubbery that dot the land. You will notice that the tree lines begin to fade back into the distance as you come across pasturelands that are often occupied by Himalayan sheep and goat herds. After crossing the valley floor that requires you to trek up and down the terrain, you will finally reach Pangboche. Overnight stay at Pangboche.

This is an exciting day as you will finally be making your way to the Ama Dablam Base Camp. The way to the base camp is steep, and the terrain slowly but surely begins to completely change from small brown shrubland to snowy expanses of ice and glaciers. As you gain altitude, the terrain transforms from dotting green shrubs to just snow and ice as far as the eyes can see. Trekking along, you will finally reach the Ama Dablam Base Camp. Overnight stay at the base camp.

For the next 16 days, you will be encountering a challenging region as you make your way to the Ama Dablam summit. Before the climb to the summit, you will be briefed once again about the equipment and training by your guide and mountaineer. You will then begin your climb up the mountain from the base camp, following your guide and carefully trudging along the snowy landscape. Using ropes and carabineers and many other mountain climbing equipments, you will slowly make your way to the top; the more altitude you gain, the harsher the weather can be. But finally, you will make your way to the summit and can take in the sheer beauty and the complete sense of accomplishment as you stand at the summit of the peak. The view of the valley below and the colossal peak itself can give you a sense of peace and tranquil beauty that you cannot achieve anywhere else. After the summit, you will make your way back down again, following a similar path, hoisting your backpacks, and following the ropes and ice axes as you trudge behind your guide back to the base camp.

You will slowly make your way back to Namche Bazaar from the base camp, once again trekking along the familiar path that you took earlier in your trip. The change in terrain is once again evident as the snow and ice disappear to be replaced by greenery and emerald pastures. The weather becomes much warmer too as the sun gleams on the mountain village, making the trip a pleasant experience. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

From Namche, you will follow the same path back to Lukla, trekking through the Sagarmatha National Park’s woodlands once more. You can also enjoy the Himalayan birds perched atop the trees and elusive animals like the Himalayan Thar as you trek through the woods. The trek back is much easier than the one you did earlier on your trip as well. Overnight stay at Lukla.

From Lukla, you will bid the mountains adieu and fly back to the city. The flight from the village also gives you the chance to see the mountains once again, and the transition of the terrain from mountains to the bustling city is always a pleasant experience. After landing at the airport, you will then be taken to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

This day is reserved as a leisure day that you can use to relax and unwind from the trek. You can spend the day at your Hotel, or if you want- you can also explore the city and try out different cuisines available at the many restaurants. Overnights stay at the Hotel.

You will be escorted to the airport from your Hotel for your final departure today.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • All Arrival and Departure Transfer from the airport to the hotel
  • and vice-versa.
  • Twin sharing rooms at Tourist Standard Hotel or 2-3 stars Hotel in
  • Kathmandu on a Bed / Breakfast basis. (Includes welcome and farewell
  • dinner).
  • Domestic flight Ramechap / Lukla / Ramechap or Kathmandu with
  • chartered vehicles to Ramechap and back.
  • Hotel and dinner at Ramechap on the way to Lukla.
  •  Full board trekking on lodge basis till Lobuche includes B-L-D with
  • twin sharing room basis.
  •  Applicable Climbing and National Park permits and Garbage deposit fees.
  •  Wages, transportation allowance, and insurance of trekking and camping
  • staff, as well porters, including Yak man.
  •  High altitude guide, staff, and potters, special wages and equipment
  • and special allowance.
  •  Climbing guide insurance climbing allowance with peak bonus including
  • climbing equipment.
  • Medical Kits and ropes and oxygen for staff and guides only.
Cost Excludes
  •  Personal Medical / Travel Insurance.
  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu Hotel and on trekking in local lodges at extra cost.
  • In Kathmandu hotel on a bed and breakfast only basis no lunch or dinner except on welcome and farewell.
  • Personal expenses laundry, tipping, soft/hard drinks, and extra meals on treks.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation or using a helicopter service.
  • Camping Services including tents and food above Camp-I on own arrangement.
  • Early return from expedition due to personal reasons or problems as well as being sick etc. The money will be refunded by the company for all expenses to borne by oneself.
  • Personal oxygen and medical kit on climb and royalty fees of Mt. Everest climb.
  • Personal trekking and climbing gear including sleeping bags, down jackets.
  • Tipping of trekking/camping staff, cook, kitchen staff, and porters and of climbing guides.
Departure Dates

We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.

Useful Info

1. Climbing Gear

Ice Axe – Lightweight, technical ice axe for steep sections
Crampons – Steel 12-point crampons, compatible with mountaineering boots
Harness – Adjustable alpine harness with safety loops
Ascender (Jumar) – For fixed rope climbing
Belay Device – ATC guide or similar for belaying and rappelling
Carabiners – Locking (4) and non-locking (4)
Climbing Helmet – Lightweight and durable
Ropes – Personal prusik cords and accessory cords


2. Mountaineering Boots

Double Mountaineering Boots – Insulated, high-altitude boots like La Sportiva G2 SM or Scarpa Phantom 6000
Gaiters – Waterproof gaiters to prevent snow from entering boots


3. Clothing

Base Layers

Thermal Tops & Bottoms – Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic

Insulation Layers

Fleece Jacket & Pants – Mid-layer for warmth
Down Jacket – Expedition-grade (800-fill or higher)
Down Pants – Essential for high camps

Outer Layers (Shell Clothing)

Waterproof Jacket – Gore-Tex or equivalent with hood
Waterproof Pants – Gore-Tex or equivalent, full side zips

Gloves & Mittens

Liner Gloves – Lightweight for dexterity
Insulated Gloves – Waterproof and windproof
Mittens – Heavy-duty down mittens for summit push

Headwear

Warm Hat – Fleece or wool cap
Balaclava/Buff – Protects face from wind and cold
Sun Hat – Wide-brim for lower altitudes
Sunglasses – Category 4 UV protection
Ski Goggles – Anti-fog for high-altitude snow glare


4. Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag – -20°C to -30°C rated down sleeping bag
Sleeping Pad – Insulated pad for extra warmth
Inflatable Pillow – Optional for comfort


5. Personal Equipment

Backpack (40-50L) – For carrying gear to high camps
Duffel Bag (100L+) – For transporting gear
Headlamp & Extra Batteries – Powerful LED headlamp
Trekking Poles – Adjustable, lightweight


6. Safety & Technical Gear

First Aid Kit – Personal medications, blister care, altitude sickness meds
Satellite Phone/GPS – Emergency communication
Multi-tool/Knife – Useful for various tasks
Avalanche Transceiver – Optional but useful for safety


7. Food & Hydration

Hydration System – 2L Camelbak + insulated water bottles (Nalgene)
Energy Snacks – Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits
Electrolyte Powders – For hydration balance


8. Miscellaneous Items

Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Essential for UV protection
Lip Balm (SPF 30+) – Protect lips from cold and wind
Notebook & Pen – Optional for journaling


Packing Tips:

Layering is key – Wear multiple layers for insulation and flexibility.
Test your gear – Ensure boots, crampons, and gloves fit well before the expedition.
Keep essentials in carry-on – Sleeping bag, boots, and summit gear should be with you during flights.

FAQs
  • Ama Dablam stands at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet) above sea level in the Everest region of Nepal.

  • Ama Dablam is considered a technical peak, requiring climbers to have prior experience in rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude mountaineering. The steep ridges, exposed sections, and technical rock/ice climbing make it a challenging ascent.

  • The two best seasons for the Ama Dablam Expedition are:
    Spring (April – May) – Stable weather, less cold, and good climbing conditions.
    Autumn (October – November) – Clear skies, ideal climbing conditions, and good visibility.

  • Yes. Ama Dablam is a technical climb and is not recommended for beginners. Climbers should have experience with:
    Using fixed ropes, ice axes, and crampons
    Rock climbing and ice climbing techniques
    High-altitude climbing above 6,000m

  • Climbers need the following permits:
    Ama Dablam Climbing Permit (Issued by Nepal Government)
    Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
    Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

    • Base Camp (4,600m) – Trekking point, acclimatization.

    • Camp 1 (5,700m) – Technical climbing starts.

    • Camp 2 (5,900m) – Narrow ridge, mixed rock and ice climbing.

    • Camp 3 (6,300m) – Final camp before summit push.

    • Summit (6,812m) – Steep climb to the top.

  • Most climbers do not require supplementary oxygen, but it may be used as a precaution for emergency situations.

  • A full list of mountaineering gear, including high-altitude boots, ice axe, crampons, harness, ropes, helmet, down jacket, and sleeping bag, is required. (Refer to the detailed Ama Dablam Equipment List).

  • Tea houses/lodges – During the trek to Base Camp.
    Camping tents – At Base Camp and higher camps.

  • The weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures at the summit dropping to -20°C to -30°C.

  • High-altitude sickness (AMS, HACE, HAPE)
    Rockfall and avalanche risks
    Technical climbing challenges
    Extreme cold and weather changes

  • Cardio & endurance training (hiking, running, cycling)
    Strength training (core, legs, and upper body)
    Rock and ice climbing practice
    Altitude training (if possible)

You May Also LikeSimilar Itineraries
MT. SHISHAPANGMA EXPEDITIONS
MT. SHISHAPANGMA EXPEDITIONS
Difficulty: Moderate 41 Days
Max. Height: 8,027m / 26,335ft.
MT. CHO-OYU EXPEDITION FROM TIBET
MT. CHO-OYU EXPEDITION FROM TIBET
Difficulty: Moderate 36 Days
Max. Height: 8,201 meters (26,906 feet)
MT. BROAD PEAK MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS
MT. BROAD PEAK MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS
Difficulty: Moderate, Adventurous, and Demanding. 29 Days
Max. Height: 8,051 m/26,414
GASHERBRUM-II MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS
GASHERBRUM-II MOUNTAINEERING EXPEDITIONS
Difficulty: Moderate 52 Days
Max. Height: 8,035 meters (26,360 feet)
Putha Hiunchuli Expedition
Putha Hiunchuli Expedition
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 33 Days
Max. Height: 7,246 m